Development of the subjective cognitive function decline scale for middle-aged Koreans.

Objectives: This study developed the Subjective Cognitive Function Decline Scale for Middle-aged South Koreans (SCFD-K), addressing the need for early detection of potential mild cognitive impairment. This study fills a gap in the existing research, which mainly targeted older demographics or generalized cultural differences.

Method: We conducted focus group interviews (FGIs) among 36 participants and with nine experts to answer basic questions related to cognitive decline, after which we developed a draft scale using the Delphi with another 15 experts.

Initial experience of a novel ureteral silicon-covered metallic mesh stent in malignant ureteric obstruction: a single-center retrospective study.

Background: This study aimed to investigate initial experiences and outcomes of a retrograde inserted new silicone-covered metallic ureteric stent (Urexel™) for malignant ureteric obstruction.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records for 12 consecutive patients who underwent Urexel™ stent placement for malignant ureteric obstruction from March 2020 to March 2021. The Urexel™ stent is a segmental metallic ureteric stent composed of a nitinol mesh covered with a silicone membrane.

Clinical evaluation of usefulness and effectiveness of sitting-type continuous passive motion machines in patients with total knee arthroplasty: a dual-center randomized controlled trial.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a treatment option for osteoarthritis of the knee. After undergoing TKA, patients can be treated with continuous passive motion (CPM); however, inconsistent results have been reported on the effectiveness of CPM as part of a rehabilitation strategy. This discrepancy may be due to the difference between the set-arc of CPM and real arcs of knee motion.

Risk factors for Clonorchis sinensis infections and control measures reinforced with focused interviews.

Clonorchiosis, a disease that develops following the consumption of raw freshwater fish that harbors Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae, seriously threatens the health of residents in endemic areas. We aimed to assess the level of awareness of liver fluke infections among infected residents and restaurant workers in liver fluke infection-endemic areas. To identify and provide a more realistic description of C.

Long-term treatment outcomes of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome by the Korean Rare vascular Ailments Research Experts.

Objective: Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) results from an anomalous relationship between the popliteal artery and the myofascial structures of the popliteal fossa. The long-term treatment outcomes are not well known because of the rarity of the disease. This study aimed to establish a nationwide collective dataset, and analyze treatment outcomes.

Concurrent vs. Sequential Adjuvant Capecitabine-Based Chemoradiation in Residual TNBC after neoadjuvant-chemotherapy: A Multicenter comparative Study.

Purpose: Given the aggressive nature and poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), adjuvant capecitabine has been the standard therapy for residual disease after preoperative systemic therapy (PST). However, the optimal sequence of postoperative radiation therapy (RT) and capecitabine remains unclear. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of concurrent RT and capecitabine (RT+CAP) versus sequential RT followed by capecitabine (RT→CAP) in patients with residual TNBC after PST.

Randomized Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Fexuprazan According to the Timing of Dosing in Patients with Erosive Esophagitis.

Background/aims: Fexuprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, was developed for treating acidrelated disorders. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of fexuprazan, unlike those of proton pump inhibitors, are independent of food effect. This study aims to evaluate differences in efficacy and safety of fexuprazan in patients with erosive esophagitis (EE) according to the timing of dosing.

Insufficient Diagnostic Value of Serum Galactomannan and (1,3)-β-D-Glucan in Paranasal Sinus Fungus Balls.

Background And Objectives: The serum galactomannan test (GM test) and the (1,3)-β-D-glucan test (G test) are utilized in diagnosing invasive fungal sinusitis. However, their effectiveness in detecting paranasal sinus fungus balls (FBs) has not been established. This study aimed to explore their diagnostic value in patients with FBs.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps Does Not Affect the Association Between the Nasal Provocation Test and Serum Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E Levels.

Background And Objectives: This study compared nasal provocation test (NPT) results between groups with and without chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) to investigate whether CRSwNP affects the response to the intranasal allergen challenge.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who had undergone the NPT, multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST), and paranasal sinus computed tomography. Patients were diagnosed with CRSwNP based on findings from nasal endoscopy and paranasal sinus computed tomography.

Screening for Lung Cancer, Overdiagnosis, and Healthcare Utilization: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Introduction: Guideline-discordant low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening may cause lung cancer (LC) overdiagnosis, but its extent and consequences are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-initiated, non-reimbursed LDCT screening in a predominantly non-smoking population and its impact on LC epidemiology and healthcare utilization.

Methods: This nationwide cohort study analyzed data from Korea's National Health Information Database (NHID) and eleven academic hospital screening centers (1999-2022).

Comparative liver transcriptome analysis in hamsters infected with food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis felineus, Opisthorchis viverrini, or Clonorchis sinensis.

Background: Epidemiologically important food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis are recognized as biological carcinogens of Group 1A, while Opisthorchis felineus is in Group 3 as noncarcinogenic to humans. Mechanisms of the biological carcinogenesis are still elusive. Some studies highlight chronic inflammation as a key factor and common pathway for cancer initiation and progression.

Predictive value of preoperative gluteus and iliacus muscle volumes for patient-reported outcomes following total hip replacement: a three-dimensional volumetric analysis.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hip muscle mass and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery for hip disease using 3D volumetric measurements of the gluteus muscle group and iliac muscle.

Materials And Methods: Between January 2020 and December 2021, 85 patients who had undergone unilateral THA for osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis of the femoral head were enrolled. Using a 3D modeler program, automatically generated 3D reconstructed images of the hip muscles were obtained, and volumetric measurements were performed.

Prognostic impact of intravascular imaging in percutaneous coronary intervention according to atherothrombotic risk: a post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Introduction And Objectives: Recent randomized controlled trials support the use of intravascular imaging-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to improve patient prognosis. However, the subsequent risk of clinical events in patients with coronary artery disease is not determined solely by lesion characteristics or how these lesions are treated. The current study investigated whether the effects of intravascular imaging in complex PCI vary according to atherothrombotic risks.

Longitudinal multi-trajectory phenotypes of severe eosinophilic asthma on type 2 biologics treatment.

Background: Limited understanding exists regarding the progression trajectory of severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) patients on type 2 biologics therapies.

Objective: We aim to explore distinct longitudinal phenotypes of these patients based on crucial asthma biomarkers.

Methods: We enrolled 101 adult patients with SEA.

Characteristics of glomerulonephritis with dominant C1q precipitation compared to corresponding glomerulonephritis without C1q staining on immunofluorescent examination.

Background: The clinical significance and renal outcomes of C1q nephropathy (C1qN) are unclear; therefore, the implications of C1qN as a new pathological entity are uncertain. We compared the clinical characteristics of glomerulonephritis reclassified into cases that meet the definition of C1qN and glomerulonephritis not included in the definition of C1qN.

Methods: In total, 21,697 patients who underwent native kidney biopsy at 18 hospitals throughout Korea between 1979 and 2018 were retrospectively enrolled.

Efficacy and Safety of Needle-Free Microjet Injection Versus Needle Injection of Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Crow's Feet: A Randomized Split-Face Pilot Study.

Background: Botulinum toxin is commonly used for cosmetic enhancements in various applications. However, the pain experienced during the injection process remains a significant concern.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a needle-free microjet drug injector, powered by an Er:YAG laser, for the injection of botulinum toxin to treat crow's feet wrinkles.

Clinical Characteristics of T2-Low and T2-High Asthma-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overlap: Findings From COREA Cohort.

Purpose: Despite the emerging biologics, biomarkers and treatment options for asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) are still limited, requiring further research.

Methods: We enrolled 378 ACO patients from a multicenter real-world asthma cohort in Korea and compared the clinical characteristics, lung function, and exacerbation between type 2 (T2)-high and T2-low groups. We used the following comparisons: 1) low vs.